Stomach Cramp

A stomach cramp is a painful squeezing sensation that comes and goes over a span of minutes. It builds-up and then decreases.

The squeezing sensation does not always originate from your stomach. It may originate from the intestines. Some stomach pains may have nothing to do with your digestive tract.

If the reason for the pain is digestive disorders, you are likely to have other symptoms. Stomach cramps causes may include:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is a digestive problem that can cause pain, cramps, and intermittent episodes of diarrhoea and constipation. The abdominal pains are in fact spasms of the intestines.

Lactose intolerance: This is another common cause of stomach pains. It is the inability to digest the sugar in dairy products.

Diverticulosis: This will also cause spasms and cramping. It can also cause haemorrhaging.

Fibre and Water: Inadequate fibre and water can cause constipation, diarrhoea and cramping.

Food poisoning (salmonella, shigella etc): Inappropriately handled food is another culprit. It may give you stomach cramps in no time! Other symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhoea.

Viral infections: Food poisoning is linked to most viral infections.

Stress: Apparently, stress plays a role in stomach cramps. It does not cause the cramps, but it can aggravate them.

Cholecystitis: This is an inflammation of the gallbladder. Gallstones may or may not be present.